Climate Today

The climate in the Cairngorms National Park is more severe than elsewhere in the UK and the Park's weather is unpredictable because of the huge mountain mass in the centre of the Park.

Weather refers to the changes in temperature, wind, clouds, rainfall and sunshine we experience daily. Climate refers to long-term annual patterns of weather.

The plants and animals living in the Cairngorm mountains must be able to survive in extremes of cold, wind and snow and many, such as snow buntings, dotteral and krumhultz vegetation, show special adaptations. As our climate changes these plants annd animals will be affected in different ways.TheHandbookof Climate Trendsacross Scotland,launched in 2006, is designed to help Scotland prepare for the impacts of climate change.